The lilies are exotic, colorful and multi-faceted. Whether in the garden or in a pot in the living room - in order to maintain the blooming power of the lilies year after year, they should be cut regularly. But when and how do you have to cut them?
When and how should you cut lilies?
Lilies should be trimmed during flowering for vase pruning, after flowering to remove wilted inflorescences, and in fall to prepare for overwintering. Always use sharp, clean tools and only cut the necessary parts of the plant.
Cutting for the vase
Lilies can safely be cut when they are in bloom, which is usually between late May and mid-June. The aim of this cut is to preserve the flowers for the vase. If you want the flowers to last a long time in the vase, only the leaves at the end of the stem should be removed. Remaining leaves remain stuck.
The flowers can also be cut off shortly before they bloom. But not too early! When the buds are plump and thick, they are about to open. Then the time has come for a vase cut. However, keep in mind that many lilies in the home exude a strong scent that not everyone likes.
Cut after flowering
Lilies should also be cut after their flowering period. Only use sharp and clean tools such as secateurs or a knife for cutting. Blurred and dirty cutting tools can increase the risk of disease.
When the flowering period is over, you can tell by the withered flowers. Cut these away! But don't overdo it: only the inflorescences should be cut off. The stems remain on the plant.
If you want to harvest the seeds, wait until they have formed. You can then cut off the seed heads and remove the seeds for sowing. Remember that the production of seeds by a lily requires enormous energy.
Cutting in preparation for wintering
Last cut of the year should be in the fall. It serves to prepare the lily for winter. After this cut, you can dig it up and move it in.
Something to note about this cut:
- cut back both garden and potted lilies
- Leaves and stems should be yellow to brown in color
- Cut leaves and stems down to the ground
- for professionals: pull dried plant parts out of the ground
- then prepare the lily for the winter, for example in the form of brushwood over the root area
- Complete wintering in March
Tips & Tricks
Pruning lilies is generally not absolutely necessary. It is enough to pull the dried plant parts out of the ground in autumn.
